It's been five years now since the world's known the iPod, and with the Zune expected to be Microsoft's "iPod killer" (the Zune's a hot-sell with Xbox 360 owners, for good reason), we thought it'd be a good time to look back, and see just what one decidedly hardcore iPod fan over at foronceandforall.com thinks has kept Apple's bid to the MP3 wars so survivable. To be taken with a pinch of salt (and humor), here are his reasons:

1. The "Cool" factor
First impressions last, and most people who've seen an iPod of any sort won't forget the smooth, curved lines and white color tones it's become famous for.

2. Fame
Like it or not, the iPod is an unofficial mascot for MP3 players. Back then, there was no central idea for people to think about regarding MP3's, and the iPod's appearance became a example for those wondering what an MP3 player was, kinda like how McDonald's is the poster boy for fast food.

3. Price
Okay, so higher end products like the iPod video are a tad pricey - burn a hole in my wallet, why 'doncha - but the iPod nano and iPod shuffle are decently priced for the cash-conscious buyer keen on owning a high-end player.

4. Weak competition
Form vs. Function? Competitors like Creative and Microsoft focus on putting Swiss-Army like versatility into their competing players, but with some aesthetically awkward results - good luck trying to fit that Zen Vision into your pocket. The iPod's strong point here is its simplicity and style - it plays MP3s, and doesn't show up as an ugly bulge in your jeans.

5. Accessories
Look around your basic PC accessory store. Be it Apple originals or Taiwan/China-made copies, this point needs no further explanation.

6. Change? Pfft!
Die-hard iPod fans aren't likely to just change their views even with new competition, satisfied with how the iPod's served them.

7. A work in progress
The iPod's not a static design, often subject to changes and evolutions just to keep itself alive among the competition, and it's this factor that keeps it strong.

8. The Apple touch
Apple's always portrayed itself as the casual sort, all the more if you've seen their iPod ads and the sleek, simple line of their players. Their ads are funny too.

9. The PC's losing out
With Macs assimilating once PC-exclusive software like Windows, and the steady lowering of Mac prices, it's only a matter of time before the iPod reaps similar benefits.

10. It's better. Period.
Sort of a repeat of reason 1 earlier, but you get the idea. The iPod's become a household name with a charm all to its own.

We're sure there's more opinions out there, but it's interesting what people have to say about products they love.